Pedestrian Accidents

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PEDESTRIAN INJURIES

Getting injured at a crosswalk happens more often than you may realize. Unlike car accidents, people don't seem to talk about crosswalk accidents as much. Statistics state that 15 people per day die nationwide from pedestrian-related injuries.

Victims of crosswalk injuries are usually unsure of what to do, their rights, and the cause of the accident. No worries. The Brown Firm can answer your questions and represent you in your case.

Our team is experienced in personal injury accidents, including crosswalk accidents. The Brown Firm has been helping accident injury victims with legal help for over 30 years.

COMMON REASONS CROSSWALK ACCIDENTS OCCUR

• Distracted Driving: The driver could be on the phone, eating, or looking at something else going on around them. 
• Drunk Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can cause a delay in reaction time and blurred vision that can lead to an accident. 48% of crashes that resulted in pedestrian deaths involved intoxicated drivers or pedestrians. 
• Engineering Issues: If an intersection was not well thought out, there is more room for error on the driver's end.
• Drivers Not Following Laws: Speeding is a common traffic law people overlook that has serious side effects.
• Pedestrians Not Following Crosswalk Signs: If the crosswalk symbol says "no walking," do not walk.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW 

Jaywalking is not mentioned in any of Georgia's pedestrian laws. Therefore, crossing anywhere, in most cases, is legal. Pedestrians need to yield to traffic before crossing and follow signals at intersections crosswalks. Another important rule to follow is to never cross at an intersection diagonally.

If the symbol is blinking, you can continue crossing, much like a yellow light when driving. Cars have to wait for you to finish crossing. If the signal is already blinking, you should not start walking. Check out 40-6-22 (Pedestrian Control Signals) to get a better understanding of Georgia's law. 

§ 40-6-92. Crossing roadway elsewhere than at crosswalk:

“Jaywalking” is not a legal term and does not appear in the Georgia Code. Even so, people often use “jaywalking” to describe a pedestrian crossing outside of a crosswalk. In fact, crossing the street outside of a crosswalk is perfectly LEGAL in most places, as long as the pedestrians yield to traffic.

SERIOUS INJURIES 

Pedestrian accidents are often traumatic because your body cannot take the impact. Injuries are usually serious, if not fatal.

Here are typical injuries of someone hit by a car while walking: 

• Paralysis or other spinal cord injuries that cause loss of function
• Broken bones or damage to other parts of the musculoskeletal system
• Lacerations and bruises that cause damage to organs
• Concussions and even more serious head injuries
• Dental damages
• Vision loss

DETERMINING FAULT

It is left up to authorities on the scene to compile the report, which includes collected evidence. The attorneys will determine who is at fault. This is why you need to know what to do if you have been injured as a pedestrian.

Follow these 4 steps:

1. Get Medical Treatment: Many pedestrian accidents involve on-scene ambulance care. Do not refuse treatment. 
2. Get information on everyone involved: Gathering insurance information and contact information can help your case.
3.  Take Photos: Having visual evidence of your injuries, damages, and the scene of the accident can help your case.
4. Contact The Brown Firm: Do not share your side of the story before contacting a professional attorney. Unfortunately, people will try to twist your words because they do not want to be blamed for the accident. You especially have to watch out for insurance companies.

PREVENTING INJURIES 

Even though drivers are usually at fault for pedestrian-involved vehicle accidents, there are preventative measures that you can take as a pedestrian.

• Increase visibility by wearing reflective gear and carrying a flashlight at night. 
• Walk on sidewalks or paths if available and use shoulder-facing traffic when there is no safe walking space. 
• Cross at designated areas if possible. Even though you can cross in most areas in Georgia, the marked area is where cars are more mindful of pedestrians.
• Only cross when you can clearly see both ways to ensure there is no car coming. If you cannot see them, they most likely won't be able to see you. 

WE CAN HELP!

Set up a free consultation with an experienced attorney at The Brown Firm if you or a loved one have been injured as a pedestrian.

Remember, a pedestrian is anyone involved in an automobile accident that was not inside a car. Know your rights and get the best representation in Georgia for pedestrian injuries.

Our team works to help Georgia residents get the care they need after a personal injury accident.

Don't hesitate to call our Georgia Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Atlanta, Athens, and Savannah. We also have an office in Okatie, South Carolina. Get a better understanding of what your options are when it comes to dealing with the law.